University of Vermont College of Engineering and Mathematics Sciences Professor Dr. Paul Hines has won a $400,000 National Science Foundation Career Award for his research proposal on "smart" electrical grids.

Hines' research, "Harnessing Smart Grid Data to Enable Resilient and Efficient Electricity," would study ways to use smart grid data to find patterns of vulnerability in power systems, and would use the results to reduce the risk of cascading power blackouts.

In a statement, Hines said, "This award provides the unique opportunity to conduct research that will hopefully lead to technology that can make power grids more resilient, including the ability to better incorporate variable power sources, such as wind power."

The NSF says its award supports junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of their organizations.